Pallet Guide
Parts, terminology & types of pallet
A quick reference to the anatomy of a pallet, common pallet terminology and the most-used pallet types — plus an interactive spec sheet so you can submit a custom pallet enquiry to Randex.
Spec your custom pallet
Fill in the dimensions and configuration below — the diagram updates live. Submit to send the spec to Randex and download a PDF copy.
Pallet Parts
Stringers
Also called runners. Long beams that separate and support the top and bottom decks. A pallet typically has three stringers (two side, one centre) measuring around 2″ × 4″.
Blocks
Sometimes used in place of stringers. Rectangular, multi-sided, square or cylindrical, positioned as centre, corner, end/edge or inner blocks.
Notches
Openings in the lower part of a stringer that allow forklift entry. Most stringer pallets have two entryways.
Deck Boards
Boards placed perpendicular to the stringers, forming the top and bottom layers of the pallet, providing support and stability.
Top & Bottom Lead Boards
The wider boards at the front and bottom of a pallet, increasing structural integrity. Typically 5.5″ wide (sometimes called 6-inch lead boards).
Chamfered Edges
Entryways along the length of the deck-board edges, between the stringers or blocks, helping with pallet-jack entry.
Inner Boards
Boards installed between the lead boards. Their number depends on spacing requirements; typically 3.5″ wide.
Pallet Spacing
The gap between deck boards. Spacing affects how well the pallet supports loads without the load slipping into the pallet.
Pallet Terminology
Span
The distance between the stringers or blocks supporting the deck board.
Overall Height
Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the deck boards.
Length
The end-to-end distance of the stringer.
Heat Treating
Sterilising a pallet via kiln — heated to 56 °C / 132 °F for at least 30 minutes (ISPM-15).
Pallet-Flush
Pallets with their deck boards flush to the blocks or stringers.
Plug
A repair board attached to a broken stringer to make it functional again — full-length or partial.
Bottom Deck
The lower surface of the pallet, the part that bears the load.
Captive Pallet
Made for a single facility — not shared or exchanged.
Collar
A wooden collapsible bin that converts a pallet into a box.
Double-Face Pallet
A pallet with both top and bottom decks, as opposed to bottom-deck-only pallets.
Skid
A pallet with no bottom deck.
Double-Wing Pallet
Top and bottom deck boards extend further than the edges of the stringers.
Expendable Pallet
Designed to be handled several times during a single shipping trip, then discarded.
Shipping Pallet
Designed for a one-way trip from shipper to receiver, then disposed of.
Fastener
Staples, nails, screws, bolts or other mechanical tools that join the components of a pallet.
Free Span
The distance from one warehouse-rack support to the next.
Handling
Picking up, moving and setting down an empty or loaded pallet.
Joint
Intersections where the parts of a pallet meet — corner, end or centre joints.
Types of Pallet
Stringer Pallets
Stringers (instead of blocks) support the deck boards. Two to five stringers depending on size, typically 2″ × 4″.
Block Pallets
Blocks (instead of stringers) support the deck boards. Blocks may be cylindrical, square or rectangular.
4-Way Pallets
Notches cut into the stringers so a forklift can enter from any side.
2-Way Pallets
Forklift openings on only two sides of the pallet.
Skid Pallets
Pallets with no lower decking. Skid pallets are always 2-way.
EUR Pallet
Four-way entry, block, heat-treated. ISO accredited under European Pallet Association regulations — the most common pallet for import/export.